About the Founder

Dr. Ben Blewett

Dr. Ben Blewett, founder of Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund

Dr. Blewett was a man of vision, passion and purpose. His commitment to educational excellence propelled his own studies at Washington University where he acquired degrees in 1876, 1879 and an honorary degree in 1916. He joined the St. Louis Public School System and served at Lowell, Humboldt, Carr Lane, Divoll and Stoddard Schools, beginning his career in the classroom and eventually moving into administration. Dr. Blewett became the Superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools in 1908 and served until 1917. His leadership was legendary. He was a pioneer in professional development and an advocate for educators facing financial difficulties. As a result of his sincere commitment to the St. Louis Public Schools and the teachers who shape our children, Dr. Blewett established the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund. The fund paid homage to his beloved late wife, Jessie Parsons Blewett, and her parents, Charles Bunyan Parsons and Jane Elizabeth Parsons.